2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

Mercedes is doing something different with the current Maybach brand than the predecessor versions. It seems the Mercedes-Maybach pairing is working wonders. Already, the automaker has managed to sell over 25,000 units of the model since 2015 compared to only 3,000 units of the previous generation (when Maybach was a standalone brand). The model is based on the popular S-Class sedan; in fact, the S-Class was the first Merc’ to wear the “Maybach” insignia following the revival of the brand in 2015. The 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class now gets some upgrades to ensure it is not left behind by its rivals; most of the changes are similar to those introduced to the regular S-Class last year which were in turn borrowed from the smaller E-Class sedan. Considering the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost are older, new upgrades may help the Mercedes-Maybach to leap ahead of the two in terms of popularity in the market.

2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Exterior

The 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class exterior has gone through a significant facelift, specifically at the front. The limo has a new radiator grille; the cascading grille that also features vertical slats is borrowed from the Mercedes-Maybach Vision 6 concept. The model has also adopted the headlights and bumper designs of the 2018 S-Class sedan. The headlights have 3-bar LED lights that extend towards the grille. The new bumper has a long vent that extends from one corner to the other; it also has bigger air intakes on the sides and wears more chrome than the unit on current models.

The rear end is unchanged except for the revised taillight clusters. The flanks are also unchanged except for the 20-inch multi-spoke wheels which seem to be adopted from the old Maybach 62 and 57. In addition, Merc’ offers three more 20-inch wheel designs exclusive to the model although one of the designs is adopted from the 2018 Maybach S-Class Cabriolet.

For 2019, buyers of the Maybach S-Class sedan will have an option for a 2-tone paint finish. The automaker says in future there will be an option for 9 different color combinations but for now, buyers will only get light beige and black. The new design, especially the wheels and 2-tone color finish could be indications that Mercedes wants to bring back some of the older designs of the Maybach which may be a good thing considering the success the automaker has enjoyed with the G-Class. I think automakers need to be bold enough to retain the vintage designs of some of their models as some of us prefer those designs to the modern ones.

Interior

Like the interior of the regular 2018 S-Class, the interior of the 2019 Maybach S-Class has received slight changes. The new changes are difficult to identify at first glance. The new changes include a new steering wheel that has touch-sensitive buttons. The technology senses vertical and horizontal swipes like the screen of a Smartphone which makes it possible for the driver to control the infotainment system using his/her thumbs and thus enhances safe driving.

The infotainment system has also been upgraded; the new unit features a 12.3-inch display which is mounted on the same frame as the digital instrument cluster screen making it look like a single, wide unit. The automaker has also increased colors of the interior LED lighting to 64. All these features plus the new steering wheel are adopted from the E-Class. There is also a new Driver Pilot function which controls the car at speeds not exceeding 130 mph. The new system uses automatic accelerating and braking and Steering Pilot to steer the car on the road even navigating moderate bends on its own. The feature is standard on the Maybach S-Class, but it is optional on the regular S-Class sedan.

The cabin also gets new color combinations exclusive to the model; they include Savanna Beige with Black and Armagnac Brown along with Black. The model still features the black Nappa leather upholstery which can now be had with gold, platinum, or copper-colored contrast stitching. Merc’ also offers a new trim for inserts dubbed “Designo flowing lines Magnolia.”

Although the upgrades are minor, they are important in bringing the model on par with its high-tech luxury rivals like the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Engine and performance

There are no mechanical changes for 2019. The Mercedes-Maybach S560 4Matic is still powered by the twin-turbocharged 4.0 L, V-8; an engine Mercedes uses on most of its AMG models. It is good for 463 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque same as the standard S560 S-Class. The engine propels the sedan to dash to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds which is fast for a sedan its size. However, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 has a more powerful engine, a twin-turbocharged 6.0 L, V-12 that’s good for 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. This model is 0.2 seconds faster than the S560 4Matic.

Both models have their maximum speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

Price and release date

Mercedes has not announced prices, but there won’t be a huge hike as the model has only undergone a minor facelift. Therefore, the Mercedes-Maybach S560 4Matic will attract around $169,000 while the Mercedes-Maybach S650 will start at around $200,000; for comparison, the current models start at $168,600 and $198,700 respectively. Sales of the 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class models commence this summer in the U.S.

Competition

Top rivals of the 2019 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost.